Janice Ruth Altland

Janice Ruth Altland (née Porter), age 69, passed away on April 23, 2025, in Yorktown, Indiana. Born on June 26, 1955, in Salina, Kansas, Janice lived a life marked by dedication to education, creativity, and a deep commitment to enriching the lives of others through campus programming and student engagement.

In 1973, Janice graduated from Webb City High School in Missouri. She went on to earn her Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from Missouri Southern State University. It was during her time at MSSU that she discovered her passion for student programming — a path that would shape her professional journey. Janice began working in entertainment booking as a student, and continued this pursuit as a graduate student at Eastern Illinois University in Champaign, Illinois, where she worked as a booking agent for Blytham Entertainment.

Her professional career began at Kansas State University as a program advisor. From there, she went on to make a lasting impact at Ball State University, where she served as Associate Director of Campus Activities. Her work garnered several awards from the National Association of Campus Activities (NACA), recognizing her excellence and innovation in the field. Through her leadership and vision, Janice helped create vibrant campus communities that fostered connection and creativity among students.

Janice also held a Master’s degree in Higher Education Counseling — an academic foundation that complemented her natural empathy and understanding of student needs. Her career was not just about events and programs, it was about mentoring young people and helping them find their place during transformative years.

Beyond her professional accomplishments, Janice was an accomplished seamstress who found joy in creating with her hands. She had a lifelong love of music and entertainment—interests that not only enriched her personal life but also informed her work in campus activities.

She is remembered with love by her husband, Steven Altland of Yorktown; daughter, Krista Altland of Muncie; sister, Tamara (Ross) Graves of Joplin, Missouri; and brother, Jon (Marcy) Porter of Kansas City, Missouri. Her warmth, generosity, and unwavering support left an indelible mark on those fortunate enough to know her.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Reverend Wayne Porter and Joyce Porter, as well as her sister Mary Porter.

Janice Ruth Altland was much loved and will be sorely missed by family and friends alike. May her memory bring comfort to all who knew her.

There will be no public services held at this time. In honor of Janice, please use the link below to listen to and experience her spirit, one last time.

https://open.spotify.com/playlist/65EzijjKwwj0o3OCEzzMn8?si=e8Ha_GxfSfS9C0zYIfRMsA&pi=RVyrOYqySpGpu